*In general, an opinion is a subjective belief, and is the result of
emotion or interpretation of facts. An opinion may be supported by an
argument, although people may draw opposing opinions from the same set
of facts.

Archer, lets see how good a thing it is when it comes to a neighborhood hear you!You can always find a dollar amount right to sell your soul. Whoopie...7 % and stoned out people, the majority are white males between 24 and 40yrs olds.I am personally surprized at the level of "pain" they are in.

What would medical marijuana business benefit Commerce City. If it would be for the benefit of those in true need of it it would be ok. But that cant be the reason because it is available in other city's nearby. Could it be a good source for employment. Hardly so as it only takes one or two people to operate a shop. Could it enhance the image of Commerce City. What a joke this is. Could it gain the City more tax revenue. Of course it would but how much would be gained. Consider the cost to collect this revenue also the cost to enforce the rules these shops would have to follow. Also for how long before new sources of revenue would have to be perused. We do not need this kind of business in Commerce City.Never have Never will.

A unified school Board in Adams County district 14???? I thought I would never see that in my life time but there again, they have people on the board that have the children’s best interest at heart and not the paid administration. Hopefully the changes will move the students in the right direction.

A unified school Board in Adams County district 14???? I thought I would never see that in my life time but there again, they have people on the board that have the children’s best interest at heart and not the paid administration. Hopefully the changes will move the students in the right direction.

Does anybody really understand what sprinklers in a building are for? They are not to protect the building. They are not to protect the fire fighters that respond to the building being on fire. They are to allow the people that are inside the building to get out. So anybody that says the fire department was left hanging out by the city council does not know what they are speaking of.

To curious in Commerce City: On Rancho Liborio Changing the name from Mexican Plaza back to Ivy Shopping Center. Good idea why don't you buy it and you can name it whateveryou want, if the business is gone it is not hurting anything.

To curious in Commerce City: On Rancho Liborio Changing the name from Mexican Plaza back to Ivy Shopping Center. Good idea why don't you buy it and you can name it whateveryou want, if the business is gone it is not hurting anything.

Nice day at Derby despite the heat. Thanks to all who came. It was great to see the kids enjoying their summer and to hand out books to all kids. Thank you to John Chin and the Education Foundation for supplying the books. How fantastic to see new Superintendent Patrick Sanchez and new ACHS Principal Brian Wright come out and interacting with and engaging people, truly becoming part of and participating with the community? So many parents, community leaders, staff, and most important students (past and present) commented what a refreshing and revitalizing change to see this. New Adams 14 culture is becoming infectious already.

If I remember right, that was the Fire Marshall that said sprinklers are to protect the Fire Fighters and any occupant. Are you saying the Fire Marshall lied to the city council??Why would any business not want to protect its employees and product/inventory?

Please check out the two links below and do a side-by-side comparison. This should start giving people somewhat of an idea who their police chief really is:Commerce City (CO) Police Chief—Message from the Chief: http://c3gov.com/index.aspx?nid=17 (named interim chief effective January 2, 2012)

He plagiarizes a simple "Message from the Chief". He can't be creative, original or innovative enough to make his own? This is only the beginning. I also have a copy of the letter that was sent in April. I believe it should be open to public record since it was given to City Councilmembers.

Gateway: Will you publish the letter if I forward it to you? This is a need to know issue as it deals with corruption in our current city government.

FROM COMMERCE CITY WEBSITE:POLICE-WelcomeOn behalf of the dedicated members of the Commerce City Police Department, welcome.

I am extremely proud to be a member of this community and serve as the Interim Chief of Police. Commerce City is one of the finest places to live in the nation. That success is due to the outstanding efforts of the men and women of the Commerce City Police Department and the community’s dedication, cooperation in crime prevention and commitment to quality of life.

We will face unique challenges as all departments do. I am optimistic the men and women of the Commerce City Police Department will meet them with unity and tenacity, working side-by-side with our citizens to enhance the quality of life. As the Department moves ahead, I look forward to providing the best police service possible. I am confident this department will continue on a path of excellence as we address the needs of our community with professionalism and determination. As we develop programs, implement technology and take on new initiatives, know that our department regards the City’s residents as its highest priority.

I want to thank the police officers and the civilians who support them. Together we accomplish one of the most basic duties of the police department: keeping Commerce City safe. I recognize their compassion, dedication and desire to serve their community. Additionally, I would like to thank the City Manager and his staff, the Mayor and City Council and our extraordinarily supportive residents without whom we would not be able to provide effective and professional police service.

While there may be a change in leadership, I want to assure the community the direction of police dedication to our citizens has not changed. The men and women of the Commerce City Police Department are the best in the nation, and we will build on our traditions of professionalism, innovation and compassion.

On behalf of the over 400 dedicated members of the Alexandria Police Department, I would like to welcome you to the Alexandria Police Department’s web site.

I am extremely proud that Alexandria continues to be one of the safest places to live in the nation. That success is due to the outstanding efforts of the men and women of the Alexandria Police Department and the community’s vigilance and cooperation in crime prevention.

While having faced many recent challenges, I am optimistic that the Department will meet them with unity and tenacity, working side-by-side to enhance the quality of life of our residents. As the Department moves ahead, I look forward to providing the best police service possible. I am optimistic that this Department will continue on the path of excellence as we continue to address the needs of our diverse community with professionalism and determination. As we develop programs, implement technology and take on new initiatives, know that our department regards the City’s residents as its highest priority.

I want to thank the police officers and the civilians who support them. Together they accomplish one of the most basic duties of the police department: keeping Alexandria safe. I recognize their compassion, dedication and desire to serve their community. Additionally, I would like to thank the City Manager and his staff, the Mayor and City Council, City Communications staff, City Department Heads, Sheriff Dana Lawhorne, Fire Chief Adam Thiel, Commonwealth's Attorney Randy Sengel and our extraordinarily supportive residents without whom we would not be able to provide effective and professional police service.

I look forward to leading the Department in this time of transition. I want to assure the community that this is a change in leadership, not direction. The men and women of the Alexandria Police Department are the best in the nation, and we will build on our traditions of professionalism, innovation and compassion.

plagiarism: an act or instance of using or closely imitating the language and thoughts of another author without authorization and the representation of that author's work as one's own, as by not crediting the original author.

First, thank you for your opinion. Second, to answer your question, no one is being bullied. As on of three people best qualified to compare the two leaders, I offer two comments. One, the past is the past and too much positive is happening to dwell upon it. Therefore, I have no interest in getting into a back and forth in this forum on that subject. However, if you want to truly understand the old culture, I encourage you to approach each member of that board to discuss the issue individually, myself included. Further, I believe anyone who describes either leadership as bullying demonstrates their lack of understanding of the dynamics and is making a ridiculous comment born of ignorance.Second, the dynamics and working relationships of the seated board are a testament to the new culture we are trying to establish. We do not always agree, as a review of meeting minutes would attest. I personally was out voted 4-1 on the issue of teacher non renewals. Even on the current subject we had varied opinions. The difference is that we value the opinions of each other, listen, and treat one and other with respect. What the biggest difference is, is that we have developed a working relationship where we support each other, value each others opinion, do not make spectacle of differing opinions, do not try to embarrass each other, and put the interest of the children and community ahead of personal glory.I invite you to come and be active in Adams 14 and experience for yourself what we are establishing.

Adrian,If you are all into this "new" culture. Why did you not listen to everyone that was saying Bob was a better choice. We need to stay on the course of being a school district NOT a district of schools.We did not want the "inside" guy but everyone knew that that is how it was going to turn out. They were even betting on it at the HS.

I agree Dr. Northern presented himself quite well and in the future might be the most successful of the candidates. I believe the entire board shared that same view as they communicated at the vote. I speak only for myself though when I share what prevented me from making him my choice. All of his experience was in the military arena. All of the success was conducted with Air Force cadets or higher, not kids ages 4 to 18 or unions or teachers. There was no track record in public education, just the Air Force. Most of the administration has fled to other districts leaving openings in key positions. I was concerned about the ability to recruit a successful cabinet with no plan to do so provided. If he were to inherit a successful, stable situation he very well might have received my vote. Our current state of declining scores from the outgoing cabinet combined with the turnover had to be a consideration. Having not communicated any interaction in public ed circles I am not sure if he has any connections or relationships to find a team. Then you have to assume that there will be a learning curve to the job. With no experience it makes sense that this curve will be more steep with greater obstacles. Lastly, an ability to present well does not always equate to success. I enjoyed meeting him and his wife as they are wonderful people, wish him well, and would love to see him gain the experience he might need as part of our district. I must also say the other 2 candidates had great qualities as well. It to me boiled down to who had the least questions and best track record.Of course not everyone will agree and that is fine. My own wife had a different opinion, but it was my vote. This forum gives you every opportunity to express your opinion without the concern of retribution by identfying yourself. Read the comments about code enforcement and city council complaints. Perhaps too you could speak to teachers and staff who report they did not have the same opportunity previously. The staff and community who participated all had their favorites and could not all agree. I am sure others will come forth to try to tear Patrick Sanchez down for their own agenda but I would encourage you to meet with him at least. By the way he and Mr. Wright have been very active jumping into the job and community already. They don't officially start until July but are already hard at work on their own time meeting people, building ties to the community, getting things moving.I want to thank the staff and community who volunteered to participate in the interview process. As I reviewed each one of your notes and packets it was obvious each of you were diligent in your duty. It is a shame more people did not step forward. Also, to Mayor Pro-tem Moreno who volunteered his time to show the candidates our city.

About the new culture change: Why are you so concerned about the choice of pick of Superintendant. Could it be that it might be a threat to some that can't control the New Superintendant. This is such minor issue, we as a district ought to have our concens on the children of the district and not who we can control. The old system was not working, the District must change the culture to spend our energy on the students. We must support this new staff so our students will meet the states guide lines. There is a thing of the meeting of the minds, come to an agreement. Of which some are unable to do in this currents culture of my way or the highway. It's time to open your minds to work for the good of our community, not what we get out of it. It doesn't mean you weak minded because you go with your team. It is that everyone agrees our children are first, not administration nor staff. When you talk inside person, slide in. If this is so and they put your choice in it would not be different, we as a district would be in the same situation the district is in now, NO CHANGE!!!!!! THINK OUR FUTURE ARE OUR CHILDREN Let's finally work together, for so long we have been at odds with each other. With Lewis everyone was didvided, they are not now. Open mind is a free mind.

About Chief Saunier's Letter. I for one am far more concerned about the crime, three murders and the fixing of what appears to be decades of corruption within a police department than with some warm and fuzzy, feel good "welcome letter" on a website. I guess if I had the amount of problems the current Chief has, I would write a concise "canned" statement too. How about people focus on what is important, and drop the stuff that has no bearing on protecting the lives of Commerce City citizens.

To the Chief- Keep doing what your doing, solve crime, arrest bad guys, protect lives, and leave the feel good stuff to the City Public Relations Staff.

RE: Chief MessageIf this was anyplace else it would have been dealt with the correct way. Only in Commerce City is this behavior "accepted". Of course what else do you expect from a PD with a history of Brian & Baca and Perry & Jerry.

Congrats to the FOP executive board! Through your efforts you have managed to force a chief who lead the city through four years of reduced crime rates to retire. During the time you have controlled council, crime is up (is it 5 murders now?), tickets are way down (and they were down before the search for the baby), and your chosen leader appears unable to write his own welcome message. Well done.

Sometimes these agency's use form letters, could this possibly be a form letter the CCPD Sauner's used. No big deal alot of places do this. Change names dates, etc. everyone is always ready to keep division rolling. We need to learn to live together. Beyond prejudice hatred, bigetry. STOP !!!!!!!

When a person plagiarizes another's opinions, it is because they do not trust their own judgment. Perhaps, the Chief was just taking the easy way out to prove he really does understand the complex rational of the department. The Chief needs to trust his own judgment. I believe he does know his job and can bring a better Police Force to this community. What is that saying? "To thy own self be true!"

It will take time to rebuild School District #14 after the ashes and scorched earth policies of Jeannette Lewis. I believe that the school board is making wise choices to benefit the children. Because, it all comes down to the "Kids First." The most troubling policy of SD #14 was the fact that for years they were passing and moving students on to graduation that had not actually passed their grades. Thus, a graduate could not actually pass college exams to continue with their education and we the taxpayers had to pay to have these students re-mediated. We are at the point that we need a school principle that understands drug and gang control and rebuilding trust in adult leadership and their school board.

This current D14 Board of Education is great. Think back to the old boards were you could cut the tension with a knife. This board is NOT walking on egg shells and are respectful to each other. It has a entirely different feel. It has been more then a decade since we had this kind of a team in place.

I think D14 will be fine. Yes, I agree Bob was good but he would require time to ramp up and then he would have shined brighter then we could have hope for. The problem is simple. we do not have the time for this to happen. We need action and we need action now.

Pat is the man for action now.A true history of turn around guy. Ask any and all that are in the education field.

We have an association - The Commerce City Business & Professional Association. The association has been in business for over 30 years and welcomes new members. Our next meeting is Thursday, July 5 and U.S. Representative Perlmutter is the guest speaker. The meeting starts at 7:30 am and will be held at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Center's new amphitheater.

You are welcome - we would like to see you there.You can call me at 303 288 4768 - Ask for Janet

Why is the city considering $32000 for the police donation fund? What is it and why so much? Second -why another $20,000 being considered for the communications department? These are reallocations from the 2011 to the 2012 budgets.

I agree, Shea Homes deserves much of the credit for bringing our new store to us. It just made my heart jump to see all those cars and people shopping and supporting the Northern Range. The store is huge and magnificent in it's selection. But, this is just the first day. Let's support this store for years to come. For one, I am changing all my medications over to this store; I am so tired of running to Brighton.

The hotel situation on Tower was put into the DIA deal many years ago. We were sold out by the powers in control at that time.The "deal" done years before DIA was built, allowed Denver to get a certain number of hotel rooms (don't remember the number) before anyone else could. Great huh?Adams county did nothing to protect the interests of the cities here and CC did even worse (example we have no sound protection for CC from DIA, yet Thornton and Brighton do) Gotta love Adams county deals.

Knows the truth. NO ONE from city staff or council new or old did ANYTHING to bring King Soopers here. Shea and King Soopers brought it here. And the tax incentives are being paid by the shoppers who shop there a dollar at a time. All cash outlay was done by Kings and Shea only. Shoppers pay it back now. And the CITY is the people who live here. NOT the public servants who don't.

Incentive is NOT by the city staff or the council. It is the burden of the residents. Lets not all forget the city is nothing but its residents. It would not exist if it was not for the tax money of the residents.

It has absolutely nothing to do with Brittney or Jerry or any mayor. It is the residents supply and demand and the tax payers money.

King Soopers did not do us a "favor" by building here in the north. They are making out like Kings.

Until we start realize that the people are the city we will still be stuck in the same frame of mind that we do not control our destiny as a city.

We make it what it is.

Sounds a bit rambling, I know. I just had an argument with one of our honorable city council members.

What an incredibly ignorant statement. Walmart is the last thing you want. They are horrible neighbors. Look at the trash they generate in the neighborhood due to lack of concern for cleanliness. Also, they destroy small business so you are hurting your neighborhood community when those businesses go dark and forget attracting others. Most important though is that you support its workforce as a taxpayer. Did you know that part if the hiring process for employees includes providing information on how to receive food stamps and Medicare? So while they pocket millions of dollars per year, we help support the workforce. Do some research and think. Why do astute neighborhoods fight them? Next time you complain about the economy and all the depressed property values and foreclosures realize that is what happens when the nation's largest employer sets the market to such conditions. And no I am not a Union supporter either.

I personally want to thank all the staff & council that helped Shea and Kings make this work.I realize we as citizens will pay back the incentive money, but without the design & acceptance of these types of deals we would still be without a grocer.Thanks to all who made it work!

The new Kings is great. This new store is the anchor for all future development and infrastructure in the north. There is absolutely nothing negative to say about this. Besides, when has it become a crime for a business to make a profit? This is a win-win for all. Love it!Also, great job CC for passing some new rules and regs on oil and gas. I do have some concerns with the "case by case" approach, though. I think that this could leave the door open to corruption. Everyone needs to keep a close eye on CC and AdCo officials that are still crooked...you know who you are. At any rate, nice work and thank you for standing up for your city and its residents.

Gateway News Cover Stories...

Gateway News Websites

School District 27J Snap-Shot: 3 years... $12.9 million cut... 1,800 students added...

In 2009-2010: School District 27J had to cut 2.2 million out of its budget. Supplies and fees were drastically reduced which lead to the loss of needed materials in the classroom.

In 2010-2011: School District 27J had to cut 8.4 million out of its budget. 81 teachers were cut (Programs were lost and class sizes increased across the district). 54 classified staff were cut (Loss of instruction and classroom support). There was an increase in fees (Parents were asked to pay even more to go to class and school). There was a reduction of Hours for 109 positions (Loss of instruction and classroom support).

In 2011-2012: School District 27J will have to cut an additional 2.3 million out of its budget. A result in a hiring freeze (Programs will be lost and class sizes will increase across the district). A possible transportation fee will be implemented (Parents will be asked to pay even more to go to school). A possible loss of Middle school athletics and other programs.

School District 27J is the fastest growing district in the state. The district is also the lowest per pupil funding...